Days before the outbreak of World War II; a handful of German commerce raiders put out to sea to prey on Allied merchantmen. Among them was the Panzerschiffe ("armored ship") Graf Spee; a formidable warship that boasted the firepower of a battleship; but had the size; speed; and range of a cruiser. When World War II commenced; the Graf Spee; under the command of Captain Langsdorff; began a hunting spree across the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean that eventually took her to the River Plate in search of her next victim--an Allied convoy. Instead; she found three Royal Navy cruisers under the command of Commodore Harwood; eager to put an end to the "pocket battleship" that had been terrorizing Allied merchant ships.Featuring full color artwork; archive photographs; and meticulous research; this comprehensive volume explores the thrilling story behind the Battle of the River Plate; an engagement that unquestionably demonstrated the effectiveness of British seapower and diplomacy on an international stage.
#644281 in Books 2015-07-02 2015-07-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .37 x 2.60 x 6.47l; .0 #File Name: 14725967061152 pages
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. the book becomes much less useful. Regarding the book itselfBy wpettitI must agree with other reviewers that the lack of printed maps is difficult to excuse in a serious historical work; but since the entire world of publishing is being shaken to its foundations in the transition to digital format; the hybrid format might be given a pass--for now. If the website with the maps disappears; the book becomes much less useful. Regarding the book itself; intelligent editing seems to have been non-existent. It is a truly comprehensive work; and the author clearly expresses his biases. I wish the book had been published as two volumes because the single volume is difficult to handle.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Should have bought the Kindle edition; but I guess I'm exercising while reading this monster sized great history.By Victor WeisserGreat and detailed history... delivered with a point of view. Perhaps the single best single book coverage of the so-called Pacific War. Thoroughly researched and well written throughout.But the thing weighs about a ton! Yet; the publisher decided not to include the extensive referenced maps forcing the reader always to have his/her device nearby for reference. Silly mistake saving milligrams of weight and pennies of cost instead of reaping pounds of reader enjoyment.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. It covers a large amount of ground in very good detail and mostly in a very easy to read ...By wescThis is a very interesting book. It covers a large amount of ground in very good detail and mostly in a very easy to read almost conversational style. The comparison to John Toland's 'Rising Sun' is inevitable. Think of an updated version of Rising Sun with new information and better depth and insight into Japanese thinking and actions during the war. The 2 downsides however have already been mentioned: the almost complete lack of decent editorial scrutiny; and the maps being put on-line. The former seems to be the bigger sin and i can manage with the second - even though some have not actually been finished yet. Perhaps it was rushed out to be available before the 70th anniversary of VJ day.'A+' for effort but 'B' for execution. I imagine that if this book ever goes to a second edition with improved editorial content it will be a real "keeper" well worth the price and time to read it.
